Drain Dumping Hazards

Information provided by Christian Hobbs as part of his Eagle Project.

Unlike
the water that goes down your drain to the sewer, water that flows
into storm drains is not treated and filtered for pollutants. This
contaminated water flows into canals, into streams and lakes, like
the Neponset River, then ends up in the ocean

Now,
more than 60% of water pollution comes from things like cars leaking
oil, failing septic systems, and fertilizers from lawns, gardens and
farms. All these sources add up to a big pollution problem.

When
natural materials, such asyard
trimmings,
break down, oxygen is drawn from the water. In a natural setting the
amount of this debris would be limited to the leaves of those plants
and trees bordering creeks. However, in our urban setting, leaves and
dirt on paved areas throughout the entire City are washed into
creeks. A lot of natural debris can ruin the natural balance of the
creeks, and harm fish. Some
Common Pollutants

Motor
oil

Used
motor oil in particular is a significant polluter. Petroleum
hydrocarbons and heavy metals found in used motor oil pose a direct
threat to fish and other aquatic species. Each year, Americans
illegally dispose of over 200 million gallons of used motor oil,
which is equal to 19 Exxon Valdez oil spills. In Massachusetts, it is
estimated that 3.6 million gallons of used motor oil are disposed of
improperly each year. Used motor oil is the single largest source
(over 40%) of oil pollution in US harbors and waterways. One gallon
of used motor oil can create an eight-acre slick on surface water,
threatening fish and other aquatic life. Used oil contains toxic
chemicals and heavy metals which cause sever pollution and can kill
the microorganisms that form the base of the marine food chain.
Massachusetts Law requires retailers to take back used oil, as long
as a receipt accompanies it. (so, save those receipts!!!)

Paint

Used
paint products such as latex paint, oil paint, stains/varnished or
paint thinner should never be poured down a catch basin. For latex
paint, only, if the container is less than half full, let dry and
place in the trash. All other paint products should be brought to a
recycling center or to a household hazardous waste collection center.
Also, Boston has a Paint Swap Shop where you can drop off paint,
which is in good condition, or select a paint product for your home
decorating project.

Pet
waste

Pet
waste disposed of into catch basins can release fecal coliform
bacteria into Boston’s water resources. This bacterium is an
indicator of potentially harmful microorganisms that can cause severe
illness in humans, close beaches and restrict access to waterways.
Please remember to always clean up after your pet.

Yard
waste When
left in the gutter or dumped into the storm drains, yard waste
travels directly into the waterways or the harbor. Once in the
waterways or harbor, yard wastes decompose rapidly. This process
adds excessive nutrients to our waterways, which is detrimental to
the environment. Yard wastes also clogs storm drains, rendering them
ineffective and causing excessive water buildup. This can be
disposed of at the
Pine Street Landfill in Canton.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze
is a highly toxic chemical that biodegrades extremely slowly in the
environment. It is poisonous to people, as well as to animals. Less
than a teaspoon can be lethal to small animals such as fish, birds
and the family pet. Antifreeze can also be fatal to animals that live
or drink from contaminated stream, lakes or gutters.

Cigarette
butts

Cigarette
butts are not biodegradable. The filters are made of a form of
plastic; therefore, they may exist in the environment longer than
other forms of plastic. In addition, marine creatures that live in
the harbor may mistake them for food, which poisons them. An
estimated 4.5 trillion butts are littered every year and the toxic
chemical in the cigarette butts create a hazardous environment for
our waterways and harbor. Please be responsible and dispose of these
butts into a proper trash receptacle.